To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the effectiveness of the ban on disposable vapes, particularly regarding black market sales.
Answered on
5 November 2024
Strong and proportionate enforcement is crucial to the successful implementation of restrictions on vape product sales. The ban on the sale of single use vapes will be enforced by Trading Standards, who will be able to issue a £200 fixed monetary penalty to anyone found to be selling these vapes, and a stop notice ordering the business or individual to cease the illegal activity. If this notice is not complied with, an individual will be guilty of an offense, and will be liable on conviction to an unlimited fine or imprisonment.
Trading Standards will also have the power to enter premises to inspect for single use vapes. They will be able to search premises, break open containers, and remove them for disposal.
We are discussing with Trading Standards how we can best support their enforcement action, and are working with relevant organisations including local authorities and industry organisations to ensure businesses understand which products are covered by the single use vape ban, and to ensure that all banned products are removed from shelves ahead of implementation.